Students
LAW 890 – Law of International Organisations
2015 – S2 Day
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lecturer
Joanna Mitchell
Contact via By email
TBA
TBA
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MIntEnvLaw or PGDipIntEnvLaw or PGCertIntEnvLaw or MIntTrdeComLaw or PGDipIntTrdeComLaw or PGCertIntTrdeComLaw or MIntRelMIntTrdeComLaw or LLM or 42cp in LAW units at 400 or 500 level or (admission to JD and 32cp in LAW or LAWS units at 800 level)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
LAW891
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines global, regional and issue-specific inter-governmental organisations and their impact on a range of international issues. It considers issues common to all these organisations, such as their rights, responsibilities, membership and financing. As well, it analyses their operation in specific areas, such as peace and security, the environment and the law of the sea. Students are exposed to the specific rules regulating the conduct of international organisations. They will examine how these rules have operated in a variety of case studies. A key theme is the tension between the independent existence of the organisation and the powers of the member states.
|
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
- Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
- Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
- Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
- Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Class Participation | 10% | Weekly |
| In Class Quiz | 10% | 21 Aug, 11 Sept, 16 Oct, 6 Nov |
| Research Paper | 40% | 29 September 2015 |
| Final Assessment | 40% | 16 November 2015 |
Class Participation
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
You are expected to attend and actively engage in tutorials. The weekly tutorial schedule and issues for discussion at each tutorial will be posted on iLearn.
You are required to participate in the tutorial discussions, debates, reflective exercises and any other activities. Tutors will engage in ongoing assessment of student participation using the following criteria:
1. Preparation and understanding of material: the student has listened to the lecture, read the required reading and has attempted to link the materials to the lectures, to other course materials and to their life experience.
2. Ability to think critically about the material: the student is able to think critically about the materials from different angles and is able to question the materials.
3. Clear expression of ideas: the student is able to clearly express their ideas about the materials.
4. Engaging with other students: the student engages with others in the class taking an active role in activities assigned by the tutor. The student responds to others in the class by listening to them, providing constructive feedback and asking questions.
5. Demonstration of skills: The student is able to demonstrate communication skills including listening, advocacy, argument and negotiation skills.
Extended absences from tutorials must meet the criteria for Disruption to Studies and be approved by the Unit Convenor. Applications for Disruption to Studies are made online at ask.mq.edu.au
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
In Class Quiz
Due: 21 Aug, 11 Sept, 16 Oct, 6 Nov
Weighting: 10%
There will be an In Class Quiz held during tutorials in the following weeks:
- Week 4 (21 August 2015)
- Week 7 (11 September 2015)
- Week 10 (16 October 2015)
- Week 13 (6 November 2015)
The In Class Quiz will be five multiple choice questions based on material covered in the course up to the date of the Quiz.
Answers to the In Class Quiz will be discussed during the tutorial once the quiz is completed.
Results will be posted on iLearn within one week of the In Class Quiz.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
- Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
- Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
Research Paper
Due: 29 September 2015
Weighting: 40%
You will be required to submit a written research assignment of no more than 2,500 words (excluding footnotes). Substantive commentary is not to be included in footnotes. A bibliography is not required.
A list of topics will be posted on the course iLearn page during Week 2 from which you are to select one topic for your paper.
The Research Paper requires independent legal research, critical analytical ability, and coherent legal writing and presentation skill. Papers will be assessed against the rubric posted on iLearn page.
The Research Paper is to be submitted via Turnitin.
Any request for an extension will be considered in accordance with the requirements for 'Disruption to Studies' and must be submitted via ask.mq.edu.au
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
- Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
- Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
- Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.
Final Assessment
Due: 16 November 2015
Weighting: 40%
The Final Assessment will be made available and due during the formal University examination period. The Final Assessment will cover the entire unit, unless you are advised otherwise by written notice on iLearn.
The format of the Final Assessment will be a combination of essay and problem questions. The total word count for the entire examination will be no more than 2,500 words (excluding footnotes). Substantive commentary is not to be included in footnotes.
The Final Assessment will be posted on iLearn at 9 am on Friday 13 November 2015 and must be submitted before 9 am on Monday 16 November 2015.
Students will have three days to complete this task. This is not an indication of the length or complexity of the task. Students should be able to complete the task to a high standard in seven to eight hours. The extended time period allows students to plan the completion of this task around their other commitments. Any request for an extension will be considered in accordance with the requirements for 'Disruption to Studies' and must be submitted via ask.mq.edu.au
The Final Assessment is to be submitted via Turnitin.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a high level understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
- Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
- Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
- Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.
Delivery and Resources
Technology Used
iLecture recordings will be made; however, internal students are expected to attend lectures and tutorials.
An iLearn page will be available for this unit.
Delivery
Internal students are expected to attend the following activities each week in weeks 1 to 13:
- the weekly two-hour lecture; and
- one one-hour tutorial each week.
The location and time of classes available for internal students are provided in the University's Timetable.
The topics to be discussed in each lecture and tutorial are outlined in the Unit Schedule (below).
Note: Lectures and Tutorials commence in Week 1 (31 July 2015).
Required Textbook
- Jan Klabbers, An Introduction to International Organizations Law (3rd ed., 2015)
Recommended Texts
The following are useful texts that students are encouraged to consult during the course of the unit. Copies are on Reserve in the Library:
- P. Sands & P. Klein, Bowett’s International Law of International Institutions (6th ed., 2009)
- C.F. Amerasinghe, Principles of the International Law of International Organizations (2nd ed., 2005)
- J. Alvarez, International Organizations as Law-Makers (2005)
Unit Schedule
The following schedule is indicative only and may be subject to change:
- Introduction and overview of international legal structures
- What is an international organisation?
- Personality and Powers
- Institutional Structures
- Membership and Financing
- Decision-Making and Judicial Review
- Privileges and Immunities
- International organisations and the Law of Treaties
- Law making by international organisations
- Dispute Settlement
- Responsibility of international organisations
- The liability of member states
- Contemporary and Future Issues / Review
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Macquarie Law School Assessment Policy
In the absence of a successful application for special consideration due to a disruption to studies, any assessment task submitted after its published deadline will not be graded and will receive a mark of zero. Applications for a Disruption to Studies are made electronically via ask.mq.edu.au and should be accompanied by supporting documentation. Students should refer to the Disruption to Studies policy for complete details of the policy and a description of the supporting documentation required.
Word limits will be strictly applied and work above the word limit will not be marked.
All assessments in the unit are to be submitted electronically. Plagiarism detection software is used in this unit.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
Assessment tasks
- Class Participation
- Research Paper
- Final Assessment
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a high level understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
- Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
- Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
Assessment tasks
- Class Participation
- In Class Quiz
- Research Paper
- Final Assessment
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a high level understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
- Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
- Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
- Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.
Assessment tasks
- Class Participation
- In Class Quiz
- Final Assessment
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
- Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
- Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
- Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.
Assessment tasks
- Research Paper
- Final Assessment
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a high level understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
- Interpret, apply and evaluate laws relating to different international organisations in relation to their core functions (such as decision-making, law-making and dispute settlement).
Assessment tasks
- Class Participation
- Research Paper
- Final Assessment
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate a high level understanding of the creation and function of international organisations, including their powers, duties and operation - within the broader international law framework - and the resulting strengths and weaknesses of these organisations.
- Reflect on past and present international developments related to international organisations, and be able to analyse and interpret such developments taking into account legal and political factors.
- Critically analyse the legal responsibilities of international organisations and the forms of redress that may be available against these organisations and their member states.
- Engage constructively with current institutional problems addressed by international organisations to determine likely and preferable outcomes.
Assessment task
- Class Participation